Niobium in heavy and medium sections for high-rise structures

In view of the recent demand for heavy and medium sections for high-rise structures, the Nbmicroalloying approach is being increasingly considered for the production of these steel shapes with improved mechanical properties. This paper provides a metallurgical background, with focus on processing-microstructure-property relationships, illustrating that high strength in heavy and medium sections with the desired strength-toughness combination can be successfully obtained by the effective use of an Nb-microalloying approach. (AU) Copyright © 2015 Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineração (CBMM) All rights reserved